[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier Friday, February 1, 2019

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES
February 1: Frothingham Hall will be CLOSED All Day Friday, February 1st
Frothingham Hall will be closed to the public all day on Friday, February 1st, due to renovations, and will reopen to the public on Monday, February 4th at Noon.
Week of February 18: Free Bulky Item Pick Up Week
The week of February 18th will be the next "FREE BULK ITEM" pickup week for Waste Management customers. If you are in our Waste Management program, you can put One (1) large item curbside on your regular trash day to be picked up at no charge to you. No need to call the office, just have your item out at 7:00 a.m. You can find the list of acceptable items on the Town's website. Any questions call the DPW @ 508-230-0800. CLICK HERE for accepted bulky items<http://www.easton.ma.us/easton_residents/trash_pickup_and_recycling/docs/WM_Bulk_item_list.pdf>
National Grid Pole Replacement
National Grid has started replacing poles and equipment along Center Street from Depot Street to Main Street. The project is expected to take between 4 and 6 weeks. Please be patient with the construction in this area for the foreseeable future.
Town of Easton Employment Opportunities
The Town of Easton has the following employment opportunities open:

*  Market Manager - part time
For more information and full job posting, please visit Town of Easton Employment Opportunities<http://www.easton.ma.us/easton_residents/employment_opportunities.php>
Annual Town Census
Residents should have already received an Annual Town Census Form in the mail the week of January 14th. The Annual census forms must be signed and returned to the Town Clerk's Office within 10 days of receipt. Residents are reminded that census forms need to be returned even when no changes are necessary to their census information. In accordance with MGL Ch 51, Sec 4c, failure to respond to the annual census shall result in removal from the active voting list and may result in removal from the voter registration rolls. If necessary, residents may obtain a new form in person at the Office of the Town Clerk.
Easton Fire Department Introduces New Online Burning Permit System
In an effort to streamline the burning permit process for residents, the Town of Easton has moved from our in-person, paper permits, to an online application system. The improvements to the system for a burning permit, as well as requests to burn each day, we believe will greatly benefit our residents. Now permits can be applied for from a home computer, a laptop or even your smart phone. The steps to apply for a 2019 burning permit are very easy and the can be done in minutes Click Here<https://eastonfire.com/open-burning-permits-2/> or apply directly at https://permiteyes.net/easton/burning/homepage.asp all you need to submit the application is your name, street address and phone number.
The new online burning permit system will be in use for the upcoming 2019 burning permit season (which commences on January 15th). This will be the only method for applying for a burning permit moving forward, including agricultural permits. If you have any questions or need assistance, call 508-230-0750. A kiosk will be available at 413 Bay Rd. (Fire Station #3) during normal business hours, for those without access to a computer. We appreciate your patience during our transition to the new online service, and we hope that you find the process more efficient and user-friendly than methods used in the past. The Burning Season runs from January. For more information, please visit Easton Fire Department<https://eastonfire.com/>.
February 7: Community Preservation Act Committee - CPA Application Review Meeting
The CPC is reviewing CPA applications at their meeting on Thursday, February 7th at 7:00 PM in the Corona Room at Town Hall. The Committee invites and encourages the public to attend and learn about the current applications for CPA funding that will likely be voted on at Town Meeting in May.
Now through February 28: 2019 Dog Licensing
Dog licenses for 2019 are now available and must be completed BEFORE March 1st to avoid late fees. A current rabies certificate must be on file with the Town Clerk's Office in order to license your dog. To update your rabies on file please email<mailto:townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us> a copy to townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us<mailto:townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us>.
You may license your dog in one of the following ways:

*       License ONLINE<https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx?TID=22364> (.25 bank convenience fee with electronic check) and your licenses and tags will be mailed directly to you ($1.00 postage & handling fee).

*       License in Person - You may stop by the Town Clerks Office during normal business hours. (Mondays 8:30AM - 7:30PM, Tues/Wed/Thur 8:30AM - 4:30PM, Fri 8:30AM-12:30PM

*       License by Mail - Click here<http://www.easton.ma.us/departments/town_clerk1/dog_license.php> for additional information on how to license your dog by mail. Licensing forms<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/db96eb02-e4bf-e711-80bf-001fbc00ed85/Dog%20License%20Form.pdf> will be inserted in with your annual census forms, expected to be in mail boxes the week of January 14th, and are ONLY required when registering your dog by mail.
Waste Management Guide
Waste Management has published a guide for homeowners to explain what is recyclable at home and most common contaminants https://recycleoftenrecycleright.com/resources/for-home/.
Old Colony Planning Council - Long Range Transportation Plan
Old Colony Planning Council, the regional planning agency is in the process of updating the Regional Transportation Plan. Every four years the OCPC embarks upon an update to the region's Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The LRTP helps to determine how federal and state funding will be spent on transportation infrastructure and services in the next 20 years. This survey will solicit community initiatives including mobility needs, quality-of-life and environmental issues. By filling out this survey, you are making a statement about your community's needs. Click here to participate in the survey.<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001aoR3JXmqWoaMyugb3dUUmRD2nHS22k4XEuGnU-bi_m14Q0hubMshfo8k2CuNDkNYBpAjDrxVIKjlqAREm3ZjgRQt057qHolshGORGXQ-nXKMNDO-vzma9r4n3FvLlDSTVzCmE0zHfeekrzCwUISMFd-6-CtZ8eryq4Tm_02GOTXsL5US-Zlsg59Q2m2Rro7l&c=ABsu4s72gs5cnvJ-CJSF7AXlg8uxtOd0WpkKCT-yiQNLRtsv-kDyvg==&ch=itpdxbe6NXKnmu0_-L4FM9HuB0yTWBPwFny5gUWBbXOdZNpeVzm_LA==> Or Click here to learn more.<http://www.ocpcrpa.org/> for more information and how to get involved.
Assessor's Office

The Easton Assessors' Office is in the process of doing cyclical inspections of Personal Property throughout the town. The inspections are being done over the next few weeks with the inspector going door-to-door to businesses to do inspections of both the interior and exterior of commercial and industrial properties. The Department of Revenue requires that every community re-inspect its personal property periodically. As a result, the Easton Board of Assessors inspects some of its property every year. In addition to meeting state requirements, the objective of this project is to assure the accuracy of the Town's assessing data. The inspector, Renee Holloran, will have a letter of identification on town letterhead and will be driving a Volkswagen Jetta. For further information, contact the Assessors' Office at 508-230-0520.
Columbia Gas Main Replacement
Due to the recent events in the Merrimack Valley, Columbia Gas has temporarily suspended construction operations on Pine Street and Hill Street. We will notify residents when construction will begin again. Columbia Gas anticipates that they have an additional 4 weeks of work to complete the project.
Property Viewer - Geographic Information System Now Available
Easton now has a Property Viewer<https://maps.publicworks.easton.ma.us/propertyviewer/> or GIS (Geographic Information System). One can do a search by address, and pull up detail on a property by then clicking on the top menu "layers" and select additional overlays, such as Aquifer Protection District, Zoning, etc. By clicking on the black dot that shows on the property, after doing a search, one will be able to access the property card. This link can also be accessed from the Town's website, the lower bottom left sidebar: "Licenses/Permits/Property information."
Real Estate Property Tax Exemptions FY2019 Now Available - Assessors Office
Applications for Real Estate property tax exemptions for FY 2019 are now available through the Easton Assessors' Office. The town offers many exemptions designed to reduce property tax for qualifying seniors and disabled residents. Exemptions include: elderly, for those age 65 and older who qualify by income and assets; widow, widower, and persons over 70 or minor surviving child with asset limit; disabled veterans, blind, tax deferral and CPA. Those interested in further information or applications should visit the town's website<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/071c4e10-e16f-e811-80c0-001fbc00ed85/RE%20Exemption%20Information%20FY19.pdf>, stop by the Assessors' Office or call the office at 508-230-0520.
The Public Health Nurse will be available for Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar screening for Easton Residents (on a walk in basis, no appointment needed) according to the following schedule:

*       Town Hall (136 Elm St., Mary Connolly Room, 2nd Floor) - Monday, February 25 (3PM-4PM)

*       Parker Terrace Community Room - Tuesday, February 5 (9:30AM-10:30AM)

*       Frothingham Hall - COA (15 Barrows St) Thursday, February 14 (10:30AM-11:30AM)

*       Elise Circle Community Room - Tuesday, February 19 (9:30AM-10:30AM)
To view the Easton Board of Health Public Health Nurse schedule for the entire year, please refer to Public Nurse Schedule<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/0179ce56-8f07-e911-a2c8-000c29a59557/Public%20Nurse%20Schedule%204%20locations%202019.pdf>
Local Alert System
Easton uses Plymouth County Sheriff's CodeRED call system to inform residents and businesses during an emergency. To add a cell phone number, email address, or your landline number, find the link to CodeRED Notification Enrollment at www.pcsdma.org/codered.html<http://www.pcsdma.org/codered.html>. Don't assume you're already listed.
Meetings Next Week: February 4 through February 8
See time, date, location, and agenda details on our helpful calendar app:  Town of Easton Calendar<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Calendar>. Questions relating to public meetings should be directed to the Town Clerk's Office at (508) 230-0530. Stay informed of all town board and committee business by signing up for email notifications with our Minutes on Demand service! Sign up here.<http://eastontownma.minutesondemand.com/EmailNotifications/Login>
Now through March 1: Deadline to Obtain Nomination Papers for Annual Town Election
Nomination papers for the Annual Town Election are available beginning Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at the Town Clerk's Office. The last day to obtain nomination papers is Friday, March 1, 2019 at 5:00 PM. The Election Calendar<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/b72e616b-e2b5-e811-80c0-001fbc00ed85/2019.04.23%20Annual%20Town%20Election%20Calendar.pdf> with candidate deadlines, the positions on the ballot<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/79b57077-e2b5-e811-80c0-001fbc00ed85/2019.04.23%20Annual%20Town%20Election%20Terms%20Due%20to%20Expire%20with%20positions.pdf> and a complete Candidate Packet<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/68264740-e2b5-e811-80c0-001fbc00ed85/2019.04.23%20Annual%20Town%20Election%20-%20Candidate%20Packet.pdf> are available on the Town's website. Interested candidates are invited to call 508-230-0530 or email townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us<mailto:townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us> with questions.
April 23: 7AM - 8:00 PM - Annual Town Election
The Annual Town Election for the Town of Easton will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 from 7:00AM - 8:00 PM at Oliver Ames High School.  Use this link for additional Election Information<http://www.easton.ma.us/departments/town_clerk1/election_information.php>.
COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS
February 1: Frothingham Hall will be CLOSED All Day
Frothingham Hall will be closed to the public all day on Friday, February 1st, due to renovations, and will reopen to the public on Monday, February 4th at Noon.
Furloughed Federal Government Employees - Food Panty Assistance
The Easton Food Pantry are inviting furloughed federal government employees impacted by the government shutdown, to reach out to the Food Pantry for assistance. The Food Pantry is located at the Town Offices (lower level/side entrance), 136 Elm Street, North Easton. Please contact them at 508-230-0670 for further information. Click Here for Food Pantry Website<http://www.eastonfoodpantry.org/>
Easton Restaurants Offering Free Meals to Furloughed Federal Government Employees - The Farmer's Daughter and Towneship
Two Easton restaurants are offering free meals to federal government employees on furlough due to the shutdown. The Farmer's Daughter and Towneship, located on Main Street, North Easton would like support our local federal workers and their families. The Farmer's Daughter is offering a free farmer's choice meal (two eggs, toast, smashed potatoes, and choice of side) and Towneship is offering a chicken pot pie (served with sweet potato cornbread and winter green salad).
Ames Free Library
The Ames Free Library will be rolling out a host of family events and new things to try in 2019. Check out our website! www.AmesFreeLibrary.org<http://www.AmesFreeLibrary.org>
Free Town of Easton Community Calendar
The free town of Easton Community Calendar from September 2018 through August 2019, prepared and published by the North Easton Savings Bank, is now available. In addition to listing town, school and organizational events, it included information about civic and religious groups, community activities, and a brief history of the 135 years of the Ames Free Library. Assisted by the Easton Country Club, Morse Insurance, and Scoreboard Enterprises, the calendar is a valuable resource for all residents. Calendars are available at the Ames Free Library, Easton Historical Society, Town Offices, and all Easton branches of the North Easton Savings Bank.
Year 2025 Easton will Celebrate 300th Birthday - Fund for Donating
Easton has a great 300th Birthday Celebration in the year 2025. A fund has been established by the Avery Lee Williams Family Trust to which donations may be made. This fund already has over $13,000.00 in it. To make such donation just send your check payable to the Town of Easton at the Town Treasurer's office, 136 Elm Street, North Easton, MA 02356 - be certain to put the words "300th Celebration Fund" on the miscellaneous line.
South Coast Rail Project
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is transitioning all project websites into the newly designed, statewide www.mass.gov<http://www.mass.gov> website. The South Coast Rail's new project website can be found at:  www.mass.gov/south-coast-rail<http://www.mass.gov/south-coast-rail>.
Recreation Department Programs
The Recreation Department is accepting registrations for March Madness Basketball. Click here for more information: http://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/recreation_programs.php
February 1: The Easton Music Parents Organization Presents EMPO'S Annual Dessert Show Fundraiser
Friday, February 1st at 6PM at Oliver Ames High School Cafeteria & Auditorium, 100 Lothrop Street, North Easton, MA. We will kick off the evening with a tantalizing dessert buffet, followed by fine musical entertainment: Coffee, tea, desserts, & jazz music 6-7PM in the cafeteria. More musical entertainment starts at 7pm in the Dalrymple Auditorium. Performers Include: EMS Image, Jazz bands & Chamber Orchestra OAHS Panache, Jazz Combo, Jazz Band, & Chamber Orchestra. Tickets: $15-Adults, $10-Students/Seniors/Staff, Free-Children under 5, $40-Immediate Household Family.
February 2: Original Easton Farmer's Winter Market Weekly Vendors
This weekend Kave Rock Farms will be selling warm alpaca products. Stop by the table of information on community events (Easton Human Rights Commission, Food Coop, and Regional Traffic Study. Shop for other farm goods and locally sourced products from our regular vendors, who are: Langwater Farm (produce); Jordan Seafood (seafood); All Hands In (personal care products for a cause); Daddy's Homegrown (beef); Oakdale Farm (produce); and Rosie Bud (honey and honey-based products). The Original Easton Farmer's Market will be at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 143 Lincoln Street in North Easton, for the rest of the winter season - every Saturday from 10AM-2PM until Memorial Day. Check out our Facebook page<https://www.facebook.com/EastonOriginalFarmersMarket/> for the latest information.

February 3 through February 7: Eat with Strangers - A Unique Dining Experience

Eat with Strangers! Are you looking to connect with other Easton folks? Do you want to try a unique dining experience? How about meeting up at a local restaurant and sharing a meal with other Eastonites? Easton's Human Rights Committee is sponsoring an Eat with Strangers event on February 3-7, 2019. A great way to make new friends and strengthen the community! For more information and to sign up, visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e48aaa623a2fb6-eatwith
February 9: Personal Leadership Workshop & Book Signing - Create Your Best Year One Day at a Time
Saturday, February 9th from 10:30AM-12PM. Get ready for the New Year with author and life coach Clara Angelina Diaz! This free workshop will include: How to self-coach and motivate yourself, setting goals that you actually stick with and are happy to work towards, defining, planning, and attracting what you want the most in your life & more! Queset House
February 23: Cinderella Character Meet & Greet at Oliver Ames Music Department
Saturday, February 23rd from 11AM - 1PM located at Oliver Ames High School-100 Lothrop Street North Easton, MA. OAHS cordially invites you to our Meet Cinderella, The Prince, The Evil Stepmother, The Fairy Godmother and more! Bring your cameras for photos with the characters! There will be light snacks, crafts, & story time with the characters. Admission $5.
March 28: Easton Women of Today Ladies Night Out & Style Swap Fundraiser
The Easton Women of Today, Inc. are hosting our 8th Annual Ladies Night Out & Style Swap Fundraiser with Trust in Tricia. The event will be held on Thursday, March 28th from 7PM-11PM at the Easton Country Club. Come enjoy a night out with to swap your gently used clothing, shoes, accessories and home decor, visit with Exclusive Vendors and to have fun with friends! For tickets and more information please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/easton-women-of-today-8th-annual-ladies-night-out-style-swap-charity-fundraiser-tickets-52670466784?ref=estw<http://www.twitter.com/home?status=I+am+attending+https://www.eventbrite.com/e/easton-women-of-today-8th-annual-ladies-night-out-style-swap-charity-fundraiser-tickets-52670466784?ref=estw>
Now through March 30: Ames Free Library - Learn to Navigate Google and Create a Website
Have you been wondering how to create a web page? Join Burt Lewis, an Easton tech expert, trainer, and local social media pioneer, and learn to navigate Google and create your own web page. To learn more or to sign up for a one-on-one session, CLICK HERE<https://www.amesfreelibrary.org/events/2018/11/19/exploring-internet-burt> or visit our website www.AmesFreeLibrary.org<http://www.AmesFreeLibrary.org>. These sessions are free and open to the public.
About the Town Crier
The Town Crier is typically sent on Fridays informing subscribers of local government news, notices and community events. To request an event be added to a future newsletter, please send an email to lflorio at easton.ma.us<mailto:lflorio at easton.ma.us> with the information in plain text as you wish it to appear. For consideration, please include event information, the name of the group/event, date, time, location, contact information and website if applicable. Please list all dates that you want to run the notice. The Town reserves the right to reject requests deemed not to be in the public interest or those promoting private benefits and is not responsible for typographical errors. Requests for inclusion must be received no later than Thursday 12:30PM in order to be considered for inclusion in that Friday's newsletter. Requests in the form of PDFs, JPEGs, press releases, etc. will not be accepted. Have a great weekend.



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